How to Walk a Year-Round Volkssport Walk
1. Point Lobos, Carmel, California
This is a thrilling walk in several ways. The natural trail around the Point Lobos Reserve offers breathtaking views of Carmel Bay, the Big Sur coastline, frolicking sea otters and scuba divers, and -- on occasion -- gray whales spouting. It's a gorgeous walk, but watch your footing on the natural rough trail. Don't brush up against any foliage. When I last did this walk, almost every green shrub, sprout and hedge in the park was, in fact, poison oak. Everything had leaves-of-three. If you are sensitive, I suggest using a poison oak blocking lotion before the walk and a good scrub with a poison oak scrub afterward. Event Number Y0445.Walk Details for 2009 | Year-Round Walks in California
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2. St. Augustine, Florida
This walk through the nation's oldest city is suitably historical. It passes the Castillo San Marco, the old Spanish fort. The walk features cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and unique shops and restaurants. [Sanction YR1128]Club site |Walk Details for 2009 | Year-Round Walks in Florida
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3. Silver Falls, Oregon
I'm always happy to see Silver Falls place highly, as it was the first real hike I ever took with my family. You get the full flavor of the Northwest with tall timber, a rushing stream and a canyon with nine waterfalls, including three you walk behind. This walk is only open mid-April through mid-November. Wear trail shoes or boots, and bring a hiking stick, as the trail can be narrow and slippery. [Sanction Y0171]Walk Details for 2009 | Year-Round Walks in Oregon
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4. New York City, New York
The four year-round walks in New York City all have their fans, and it would be a shame to skip any one of them. If you only have time for one, pick the one that matches your mood for the day. The Central Park Walk can't be beat for a peaceful retreat. The Midtown Manhattan Walk brings you the bright lights of the big city, including Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center and the United Nations. The Lower Manhattan Walk features Ground Zero, the financial district, and the wonderful Hudson River Esplanade and South Street Seaport. Although it didn't get any votes this year, the Greenwich Village Walk shouldn't be missed for walking and noshing. It includes not only the Village, but Chinatown and Little Italy as well. Registration and maps for any of these walks can be found at the New Balance shoe store located at 51 West 42nd St.Walk Details and Club Site | Year-Round Walks in New York
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5. Montgomery, Alabama
Our reviewers say this walk has friendly people, a great state capitol, and history from the Civil War to Civil Rights. Volkssport walkers often make a goal of walking in each of the state capitals, and this walk is laid out very well to tour this historic city. [Sanction YR1267]Walk Details for 2009 | Host Club | Year-Round Walks in Alabama
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6. Celebration, Florida
Disney built Celebration as an ideal town, with designs and ideas from yesterday, today and tomorrow. The walk instructions explain the unique architecture. The town and the route change every year, each time bringing new discoveries. [Sanction Y1345]Walk Details and Photos | Year-Round Walks in Florida
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7. Washington, DC
In this inaugural year, millions are planning to visit the nation's capital. You can't beat this walking route (although it's probably not completely open during the actual Inauguration). The sights include the Memorials to World War II, Vietnam, the Korean War, and Presidents FDR, Jefferson and Lincoln, as well as the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building and the White House. An extension trail also goes by the Supreme Court Building, the National Archives, and through Union Station. If you are traveling to DC for the Inauguration, make your plans before you go.Walk Details | Year-Round Walks in the District of Columbia
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8. C&O Canal, Maryland
Once you are in Washington, take a breather and enjoy a scenic walk along a segment of the 184.5 mile long C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. It winds its way from Georgetown in Washington, DC to Cumberland through western Maryland. It is a trip through history with 74 lift locks, restored lock houses, aqueducts, and the amazing mile-long Paw Paw tunnel.2009 Walk Details and Registration Information | Year-Round Walks in Maryland
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9. Golden, Colorado
Golden is a blast back to the Old West near Denver. Browse through seven museums and enjoy the views and Rocky Mountain air on the local bike trails. [Sanction Y1945]Walk Details for 2009 | Year-Round Walks in Colorado
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10. St. Louis, Missouri
While many of the votes covered the edges of the country, this walk is smack dab in the heartland. It includes historic Laclede's Landing, the Jefferson Expansion Memorial including the Arch, and Union Station. They added a loop onto the bridge over the Mississippi River this year. [Sanction Y0030]Walk Details for 2009 | Year-Round Walks in Missouri
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How to Walk These Walks
Register at each walk's start point during open hours. Take the map and directions provided, and enjoy the walks at your own pace.Step-By-Step on an AVA Year-Round Walk
